Tubular articles and apparatus for forming the same

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for making pipe and the like of synthetic resins and which may include reinforcing materials comprising cut lengths of roving and filament strands by depositing the same on a mandrel of suitable size and shape, which apparatus may include mandrel drive means, heating and cooling means for the mandrel, means for depositing the material to be molded upon the mandrel, strandtensioning means, strand carriage drive means, and means for compacting the material deposited upon the mandrel.

United tates Fatent [72] Inventor Richard C. Bradley c/o PlasticEngineering 8: Chemical Co.,

3501 N.W. 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

{21] Appl. No. 723,011

[22] Filed Apr. 22, 1968 [45] Patented Oct. 26, 1971 Continuation-impartof application Ser. No. 331,549, Dec. 18, 1963, now Patent No.3,379,591, dated Apr. 23, 1968, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 118,912, June 22, 1961, now abandoned.

[54] TUBULAR ARTICLES AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING THE SAME 15 Claims, 17Drawing Figs.

[52] 11.5. C1 156/425, 156/429 [51] int. Cl ..B3lc 13/00, B3lc 1/08,8310 3/00 [50] Field of Search 156/425, 426, 429

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,719,738 7/1929 Wayne156/425 1,736,911 11/1929 Gray 156/425 1,876,760 9/1932 Rosener 156/4251,979,656 11/1934 Whitman 156/425 X 2,812,007 11/1957 Touchett et a1.156/429 3,401,073 9/1968 Wood 156/429 Primary Examiner-Benjamin A.Borchelt Assistant Examiner-Thomas l-l. Webb Attorney-Rommel & RommelABSTRACT: Apparatus for making pipe and the like of synthetic resins andwhich may include reinforcing materials comprising cut lengths of rovingand filament strands by depositing the same on a mandrel of suitablesize and shape, which apparatus may include mandrel drive means, heatingand cooling means for the mandrel, means for depositing the material tobe molded upon the mandrel, strand-tensioning means, strand carriagedrive means, and means for compacting the material deposited upon themandrel.

PATENTEDUBT 2 6 1971 SHEET 2 0F 7 A I 1-162 o -'55; 63 5/83 a E INVENTORR/cHA/w C. BR/JDLEY BY M/M ATTORNEYS PATENTEDUET 26 I97] SHEET 3 [IF 7"Wind ill Inn.

E I [In m m WL 0 IA R B C 0 M W R ATTORNEYS PATENTED 0m 2 6 ran SHEET+0F 7 I NVENTOR R/cHA/w C. BRADL EY ATTORNEY,

PATENTED mm 2 s 1911 SHEET 50F 7 vs m? ll QQN INVENT OR RICHARD C.BRADLEY ATTORNEY PATENTEDUBT 2s m:

SHEET 8 BF 7 ll IDIYIYZ Fzytj ATTORNEYS PATENTEUnm 26 197i SHEET 70F 7mww $3 gm R y ME n m B C. 0 m H m R BY M/gmg ATTORNEYS TUBULAR ARTICLESAND APPARATUS FOR FORMING THE SAME This application is acontinuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 331,549, filedDec. 18, 1963, entitled FILAMENT WINDING OF TUBULAR ARTICLES WITHINCORPORATION OF CUT LENGTI-IS OF ROVING DUR- ING WINDING, now US. Pat.No. 3,379,591, dated Apr. 23, 1968, which was, in turn, acontinuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 1 18,912, filed June 22,1961, entitled AP- PARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING TUBULAR ARTICLES," nowabandoned.

This invention relates to improvements in tubular articles and apparatusfor fanning the same.

The formation of articles by the spray depositing of plasticcompositions, such as alkyd polyester and epoxy types of resins, whereina promoted resin, catalyzed resin, and in selected instances, aggregatesor glass roving, are simultaneously deposited upon a form has heretoforeonly been practical when the articles to be formed are of an openconstruction, such as chairs, seats, tables, etc., or for theovercoating of items of an open construction such as wooden boats,swimming pools, etc. The primary object of this invention is theprovision of apparatus whereby tubular articles, such as pipe and thelike, may be formed by the spray depositing of plastic compositions.

A further object is the provision of apparatus for the forming oftubular articles, such as pipe and the like, by the spray depositing ofplastic compositions, such apparatus having a novel mandrel andincluding a cooperative drive relationship between the mandrel anddepositing gun.

A further object is the provision of apparatus for the removal of airbubbles and compacting and arranging of a spray deposited plasticcomposition.

A further object is the provision of improved strand-tensioning meanswhereby when a filament wound tubular article is to be provided, thestrands of the filament will be maintained under proper tension.

A further object is the provision of improved tubular articles ofplastic composition.

A further object is the provision of approved apparatus for thecontinuous manufacture of tubular articles according to the invention.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following detailed description, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, forming a portion of this specification,and in which drawings:

FIG. I is a front view of my improved apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view taken from the right-hand side of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially onthe line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially onthe line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic side view taken substantially on theline 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrammatic views similar to FIG. 5 illustrating thedrive relationship between the mandrel and the compacting and arrangingroller.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the spray depositing andstrand tensioning apparatus of my invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 9-9of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line11-11 ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a somewhat diagrammatic view illustrating filament winding ofa tubular article.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of a tubular article, takensubstantially on the line 1313 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a modified form of apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a view looking from the left-hand side of the modifiedapparatus of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a view substantially along line 16-16 of FIG. I5.

FIG. 17 is a somewhat schematic diagram showing the relationship ofparts which may be used for continuous production of tubular articles.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration to show apreferred and modified embodiments of the invention, and wherein similarreference characters designate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views, the letter R may generally designate the embodiment ofthe invention as shown in FIGS. 1-13, which may include a frame A,mandrel B, mandrel drive means C and heating and cooling means D, meansE for depositing the material to be molded upon the mandrel B, strandtensioning means F, strand carriage drive means I-l, means I forcompacting the material deposited upon mandrel B, and an improvedarticle I which may be formed thereby; S the modified form of inventionas shown in FIGS. 14 and 15; and T the schematic arrangement as shown inFIG. 16. The frame A is preferably of a skeletal nature, including abase 20, vertically extending side portions 21; a mandrel-supportingportion 22; and track-supporting portion 24. The frame is preferablycompactly constructed so that it may be mounted on a vehicle, for fieldoperation thereof.

In the drawings, the mandrel supporting portion 22 has been shown closerto the base portion 20 than it would be in actual practice, the samebeing so arranged so that the apparatus may be conveniently illustratedin the relatively small space provided on each sheet of drawing. Inactual practice, the mandrel supporting portion 22 would preferably bespaced apart from the base portion 20 a sufficient distance to place themandrel B at a convenient height for the operator of the apparatus.

The mandrel B preferably includes a main cylindrical body portion 30having a portion 31 thereof which is of smaller outer diameter than theremainder, and including end portions 33 and 34. The portions 30, 31, 33and 34, define chamber 35. The end walls 33 and 34 are respectivelyprovided with ports 36 and 37 to which are respectively connectedconduits 39 and 40. The conduits 39 and 40 extend axially of the mandrelB, and provide axles about which the mandrel B may be rotated.

Portion 31 of the mandrel B is provided with a fillet sleeve 43, filletsleeve 43 extending along the portion 31 and having an outer diameterthe same as that of the body portion 30. The fillet sleeve 43 isremovably secured to the mandrel B such as by screws 44.

To the end of body portion 30 opposite the portion 3I, is mounted asleeve 46, the sleeve 46 extending along the body portion 30 andproviding an enlarged outer diameter at one end of the mandrel B, for apurpose which will be subsequently described. The sleeve 46 is removablysecured to the mandrel B, such as by screws 48.

The mandrel B is preferably of some material which is readily expansibleand contractable by the application of heat or cold thereto, such asaluminum. This is important to my invention, inasmuch as the mandrel Bwill be heated by the application of a heated fluid through the tubes 39and 40 during the spray-depositing operation, the fluid being injectedinto the chamber 35 through one of the conduits, and thence passingthrough the chamber 35 and out through the other of the conduits, theheat from the fluid expanding the mandrel B. The heat of the mandrel Bwill likewise aid in the curing of the plastic compositions spraydeposited upon the mandrel B. After the desired thickness of the plasticcomposition has been spray deposited upon the mandrel B, a cold fluidwill be circulated through the chamber 35, causing the mandrel B tocontact, so that the plastic article formed thereupon may be removedfrom the contracted mandrel,

It is, of course, within the scope of my invention to substitute othertypes of expansible and contractable mandrels for that shown anddescribed. For instance, a segmental cylinder might be utilized, whichcould be merely retracted or knocked down after the tubular article hadbeen formed thereupon. Expansible and contractable mandrels of this typeare well known in the art.

Suitable bearing means 49 may be provided for rotatably supporting theconduits 39 and 41). Such bearing means may be conventional pillowblocks, or might be some form of quick release bearing, such as thatshown in the drawings, so that the mandrel may be readily removed fromthe apparatus. The bearing means shown in the drawings preferablyincludes a U- shaped base portion having a bushing portion 50 and acover portion 51 having a bushing portion 51". This construction isprovided so that the mandrel may be used until the tubular articleformed thereupon has been completed, whereupon the cover portion 51 ofbearing means 49 would be raised and the mandrel lifted from baseportion 51) for further treatment of the tubular article and removalfrom the mandrel at another station, and a new mandrel put in place forthe making of another tubular article.

Mounted upon the conduit 411 may be a gear 52, which gear 52 cooperateswith the mandrel drive C for powered rotation of the mandrel B, as willbe subsequently described.

Mounted upon the conduit 39 may be a bracket 53 which supports an airinflated tire 54, the tire 54 cooperating with the compacting andarranging means i, as will be subsequently described. Suitable spacerplates 55 may be mounted upon the conduits 39 and 40 for correctlypositioning the mandrel B intermediate the bearing means 49.

Mandrel drive means C preferably includes a motor 56 mounted upon theframe A, which motor 56 has a drive shaft 57 upon which is mounted agear 58 which intermeshes with and drives the gear 52 mounted on theconduit 40. The motor 56 is preferably hydraulically operated, so thatit may be driven in direct relationship to the drive of the carriagedrive means H, as will be subsequently described.

Mandrel heating and cooling means D preferably include a conduit 611secured to the conduit 39, which conduit 60 leads to a heater 62, whichheater 62 is interconnected to blower 63, a conduit 64 leading fromblower 63 to the conduit 40. The form of invention herein shown anddescribed is for the heating and cooling of the mandrel B by air,although it is to be understood that it is not necessarily limited toair heating and cooling, but that other fluids, such as water, may beutil ized. In the heating operation, the heater 62 is activated, theblower 63 is started, and air is continuously circulated from the blower63 through conduit 64, through conduit 40, through the mandrel B,through conduit 39, through conduit 61), through heater 62, and back tothe blower 63. A closed heating circuit is thereby provided. When thecooling operation is to be performed, the heater 62 may be disconnectedfrom the blower, in which case air at room temperature may be picked upby the blower 63 and circulated through the mandrel B. In the event thatthe temperature of the air surrounding the apparatus is too high toprovide the desired cooling of the mandrel B a refrigeration unit may beinterconnected thereto for providing refrigerated air for circulationthrough the mandrel B.

Means E for the spray depositing of plastic compositions may be similarto that disclosed in my [1.8. Pat. No. 3,123,307, dated Mar. 3, 1964,the same including a gun 69 having nozzles 70 and 71, which nozzles 76)and 71 are angled so that the streams emitted therefrom will intersectand be intermixed prior to impinging upon the mandrel B. Rather than thetrigger-operated guns as disclosed in the aforementioned US. Pat. No.3,l 23,307, dated Mar. 3, 1964, the guns shown in the drawings are airoperated, the air operation of such guns being well known in the trade.Suitable conduits 73 and 74 lead respectively to the nozzles 70 and 71,for injecting a promoted resin through one of the nozzles, and 2.catalyzed resin through the other of the nozzles. An airhose 77 isprovided, having a terminal portion 78 leading to one of the nozzles,and a terminal portion 79 leading to the other of the nozzles. The gun69 preferably includes a body portion 32, upon which are mounted thenozzles 70 and 71. A shaft 83 is secured to the body portion 82, theshaft 83 extending through a sleeve 84 mounted upon thecarriage-supporting portion 26 of the frame A. The shaft 83 is slidablymounted through the sleeve 84, so

that the spray depositing means B may be positioned in a desiredspaced-apart relationship from the mandrel B. Setscrews 85 may beprovided upon the sleeve 84 for fixing the shaft 83 at a desired spacedapart position from mandrel B.

Also mounted upon the body portion 32 is a cutter 86 for supplying cutlengths of glass roving 86 into the spray stream emitting from thenozzles 70 and 71, so that a resin-glass plastic composition may besprayed deposited upon the mandrel B. The cutter 86 is driven by an airmotor 87 to which leads a conduit 88 from the main air conduit 77. Thegun itself forms no part of the present invention, it being understoodthat any suitable form of apparatus for spray depositing suitablecompositions upon the mandrel B may be substituted for the gun shown anddescribed.

Strand tension means F preferably includes sideplates 90 and 91, a topplate 93, a bottom plate 94, and a depending guide plate 95. The plates93, 94, and 95, are each provided with openings 97 for guiding thestrands. It is desirable to have a plurality of individually tensionedstrands mounted in juxtaposition for filament winding about the mandrelB, and l have thus provided individually rotatable roller means 100 and101 for effecting strand tension.

The roller means 100 acts upon the strands fed through the loweropenings, as shown in FIG. 9, the same including rubber wheels 102mounted upon shaft 103, spacers 104 being provided for maintaining thewheels 102 in spaced-apart position. The rubber wheels 102 engagemetallic rollers 106, each of which are individually rotatably mountedon shaft 107 and maintained in a spaced-apart position by spacers 108.The rubber wheels 102 are maintained in proper compression upon therollers 106 by the tension screws 110. By operation of the screws 110,the rubber wheels 1112 can be compressed to a greater or lesser extentupon the rollers 106, the greater the compression the more theresistance of these wheels to rotation in accordance with the pull ofthe strand, thereby providing increased strand tension, and vice versa.A cylinder 112 depends below the openings 97 leading to the roller means100, the sleeve 112 terminating just short of the roller 102, so thatthe strand fed through the opening 97 intercommunicates with the sleeve112 will be guided into its proper strand tensioning position.

The roller means 101 is identical to the roller means 100, and likereference numerals with a prime character have therefore been appliedthereto.

Strand carriage means 6 preferably includes a body portion 115 havingwheels 116 which are received within and ride along the track 24" offrame A. The body portion 115 may be provided with appropriate spindles(not shown) for holding spools 117 of roving strands 117, and sheaves118 may be provided for guiding the strands to the strand tension meansF. The carriage means G is freely movable longitudinally along the track24 of frame A, the same being moved by the carriage drive means H.

Carriage drive means I-l preferably includes a drive motor 120 mountedupon the frame A, which drive motor 120 has a shaft 121 which isinterconnected to and drives a sprocket 125. An idler sprocket 126 ismounted in a spaced-apart position from the drive motor 120 on the frameA. A roller chain 127 is entrained about the sprockets and 126. Adepending bar 128, having a slot 129 therein is mounted upon the body115, the slot 129 receiving a lug 130 mounted upon roller chain 127. Asthe roller chain rotates about the sprockets 125 and 126, the lug 130will move therewith, pulling the shaft 128. inasmuch as the shaft 128 isrigidly secured to the body 115, the movement thereof will move thestrand carriage means G.

As shown in the drawings, the strand carriage drive means 1-! ispreferably located to one side of the point at which the strands are fedinto the strand tension means F, so that catching of the strands isavoided. In the confined spaces of the drawing, the carriage drive meansis, as a matter of fact. located closer to the strand tension means Fthan is preferred. the preferred construction being to position thedrive means far enough to one side to completely avoid any overlap ofthe carriage drive with the strand tension means.

The motor 120 is preferably hydraulically driven, and interconnectedwith the motor 55 driving the mandrel B, for cooperative driverelationship.

Compacting and arranging means 1 preferably includes roller means i319comprising an elongated roller 131 which extends for the length ofmandrel B and is axially parallel thereto. The roller 131 is preferablyprovided with a continuous spiral thread 135 throughout its entirelength, and I have found that eight threads per inch along the roller135 is optimum design, providing a roller that acts upon the plasticcomposition deposited upon the mandrel B in such a manner as to squeezeout any air bubbles that may be entrapped therein and will serve toarrange any aggregate or fibers deposited within the plasticcomposition. The continuous spiral construction of the threads 135prevents permanent grooving of the plastic composition engaged thereby.in the event that a pure plastic composition, without aggregate orfilaments is to be provided upon the mandrel B, the roller 131 may besmooth. The roller 131 is mounted upon a shaft 136 which is rotatablysupported upon the bracket means 137. The bracket means 337 ispreferably pivotally mounted upon the rame A by pivot means 138, andincludes an arcuate supporting shaft 339 so that a compensating balancedeffect is obtained whereby the weight of the roller 131 is disposedtoward the mandrel B, when in compacting and arranging position.

The shaft 336 is provided, at one end thereof, with a roller H40 whichis in juxtaposition for abutment against the tire 54. The weight of thecompacting and arranging means i being disposed toward the mandrel B,the roller 140 will be pressed into engagement with the tire 5d. Thetire 54 is inflated to a degree whereby sufficient frictional contact isprovided between the roller i443 and the tire 54. As the plasticcomposition builds up upon the mandrel B, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, theroller 131 will ride along the outer surface of the deposited plasticcomposition, and the tire 54 will, due to the inflation thereof, remainin contact with the roller Mt).

Stop means 150 is mounted in juxtaposition with respect to the shaft 139of the compacting and arranging means I, so that the roller 332i may bespaced apart from the mandrel B at the beginning of the spray-depositingoperation, so that a substantial thickness of the plastic compositionmay be permitted to be built up along the mandrel B prior to contacttherewith of the roller 131. if this were not the case, the roller 131would have a tendency to wipe the mandrel B clean. This is particularlytrue in the case of the depositing of a pure resin spray deposit. Whenfilament is utilized, however, the tendency of the roller 131 to wipethe mandrel clean is less, so that the stop can be adjusted to providevirtually instantaneous contact with the mandrel B.

inasmuch as the plastic composition deposited upon the mandrel B is in asubstantially fluid condition, it is necessary to rotate the roller E31at substantially the same surface speed of rotation as the mandrel B,and this is effected by means of the contact of the roller Edi) with thetire 54.

When the tubular article has been formed, and the roller 131 moved awayfrom the mandrel B, it is desirable to provide some means whereby anyplastic composition which may have adhered to the roller i3i may beremoved. 1 have therefore provided an idler roller 154i mounted upon theframe A, in juxtaposition for abutment against the roller 140 when theroll 131 is in its rearmost position. This roller 156 is arranged torotate in abutment with the roller 1% so that the roller 131 is rotatedin the same direction as it would be rotating when in contact with thetire 54. This is a further safeguard in avoiding wiping action of theroller 131 with respect to mandrel B and also avoids frictional loss.Roller 154 is driven by means of a belt 155 which is entrained about asheave 160 mounted upon a shaft 371 rotatably carried by bracket 170. Toshaft 171 is attached a roller 172 which is in constant abutment withand rotated by tire 54.

In order to provide for the cleaning of the roller 130, l have provideda perforated tube 180, extending the entire length of roller 1l3ll,which tube E intercommunicates with a hose 181 leading to a tank 182,through which appropriate solvents may be stored and ejected into thetube 160, for washing the roller 131.

In operation, the motors 56 and are actuated, causing rotation of themandrel B and movement of the carriage means G along the track 24, andthe blower 63 and heater 62 are actuated, whereby hot fluid is passedthrough the mandrel B, causing the same to expand. Some form of releaseagent is then preferably sprayed or wiped on by hand upon the mandrel B,either through the gun 6Q or by a separate gun. I have found that in useof the apparatus for making pipes of synthetic resin, that film formingtype polyvinyl alcohol provides an excellent release agent. Thepolyvinyl alcohol cures almost instantaneously upon hitting the hotmandrel, peels away from the finished article, and is water soluble forfacile removal of any residue. A layer 184 of polyvinyl alcohol istherefore provided upon the mandrel B, the same being very thin, usuallyless than a thousandths of an inch thick. A paste wax, applied by acloth might also be used.

in the use of the apparatus for making pipes of polyester resin, a gelcoat" polyester resin coating 185 may be sprayed upon the polyvinylalcohol. This provides a coating for the interior of the pipe, sealingthe same so that there will be no weeping." Various other plasticcompositions, which are resistant to materials which may be desired tobe conducted through a pipe formed upon the mandrel B, may be spraydeposited upon the polyvinyl alcohol coating. This interior film for thepipe may be very thin, usually from ten-to thirtythousandths of an inchthick. It is preferably air inhibited, so that it remains tacky and willbond itself completely to the resin utilized to form the main body ofthe tubular article. It has been a problem, in previously providedlaminated pipe, to prevent the same from weeping" or osmosis" of thefluids contained within the pipe.

The apparatus is then in preparation for receiving the main body of thetubular article to be formed upon the mandrel B. if such article is tobe filament wound, one end of the strands R17" are preferably initiallyattached to the mandrel B, such as by a small piece of adhesive tape,masking tape, or the like, so that such strands will be pulled, byrotation of the mandrel B, through the strand-tensioning means F, and bewound about the pipe, as the carriage G moves along the track 24. Afterthe strands have thus been attached to the mandrel, the gun 69 isactuated, spray depositing chopped roving 86 and a catalyzed resin and apromoted resin upon the strands and the mandrel B. It is to be notedparticularly that with the use of my apparatus it is not necessary toprewet the strands, which has been the previously required practice inmaking any form of filament wound tubular articles. The provision of theoverhead spray depositing of the resin and the fibers holds fallout ofthe fibers and resin to a minimum, reducing unwanted atomization andfumes. The tension of the strands will pull the same into the resin 1865which has been spray deposited upon the mandrel B. As a matter of fact,the compacting and arranging roller 131 is not required to be utilizedwhen the apparatus is used for the making of filament wound tubulararticles, inasmuch as the tension upon the filaments will compact theresin 186 deposited upon the mandrel B. in the making of the tubulararticles utilizing filament strands, resins, and the chopped roving willbe distributed in a jack straw fashion throughout the resin, bonding thefilaments together, as shown in FIG. 13. In previously providedapparatus for filament wound tubular articles, the same has been unableto sustain any axial stress which would cause separation of thefilaments. The chopped roving serves to bond the filaments together.

It is, of course, to be understood that is is not absolutely necessaryto utilize either the filaments or the chopped roving in the making oftubular articles upon my apparatus. if desired, the filaments may beomitted, so that a tubular article composed merely of resin and choppedroving may be provided; the chopped roving may be omitted, providing atubular article composed of filament strand and resin; or both thefilament strand and the chopped roving may be omitted, providing a pureresin tubular article.

During the course of the coating of the mandrel B with the plasticcomposition, the hot fluid will be continuously circulated through thechamber 35, thereby maintaining the mandrel B in an expanded condition.

After the desired thickness of resin has been spray deposited upon themandrel B, the strands 117 will be cut from the strand-tensioning meansF, and the loose ends compressed into the deposited plastic composition,either by means of a hand-held roller or by the roller 131, if it isused, and the spray-depositing operation is stopped. The roller 131 isthen moved to its position as shown in dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 5, andthe solvent sprayed thereupon, to remove any unwanted accumulation ofresin therefrom.

The blower 63 is disconnected from the heater 62, and a cool fluid iscirculated through the chamber 35. Circulation of the cooling fluidcauses contraction of the mandrel B so that the tubular article formedthereupon may be removed.

A coating 187 may be applied exteriorly of the tubular article as afinish. Such coating may be another layer of gel coat." This exteriorlayer may contain a colored pigment when the article formed is to beused in such a manner as to be seen.

Insofar as dismantling of the mandrel B for removal of the tubulararticle formed thereupon is concerned, sleeves 43 and 36 are firstpreferably removed. it will be noted that the sleeve 46 forms anexpanded portion of the tubular article, so that in the event that theapparatus is utilized for the making of pipe, a bell-shaped end isprovided at one end of the pipe, within which the opposite ends of thenext section of pipe may be inserted and fused in position.

In some instances it may be desired to trim the ends of the pipe whileit is still upon the mandrel B. For this purpose I have provided aremovable sleeve 46 and fillet 43. Upon removal of the sleeve 46 andfillet 43, it will be noted that a space is provided at the ends of thearticle which require trimming, between the tubular article formed uponthe machine and the mandrel B, so that any cutting tool utilized to trimthat end of the pipe will not likely come in contact with the mandrel B,thereby scarring the same.

Form S of the invention relates mainly to a modified form of carrier forthe apparatus which deposits material on the mandrel. It may thus bemounted on such as a frame A of form R which carries various other partsof apparatus similar to that of R, such as mandrel drive means C,mandrel heating and cooling means D, strand carriage means G, strandcarriage drive means H, and means I for compacting material depositedupon the mandrel B.

Modified form S preferably includes a main support frame 290 on whichmay be mounted strand guide means 201, strand-tensioning means 202, anda traversing mount 203 which may support means 204 for spray depositingcut roving means 205 for depositing a promoted resin and means 206 fordepositing'a catalyst.

Main support frame 200 may include a substantially vertical shaftportion 2W which may be received, for instance, within sleeve 34 mountedupon carriage supporting portion 24 of frame A, such as by set screws85, for reciprocable motion along the length of carriage supportingportion 24 of frame A, as previously described in connection with form Rof the invention.

It should of course, be understood that recitation of a carriage meansfor reciprocable movement of the materialdepositing apparatus along thelength of mandrel B is not to be construed as limiting the same to thewheeled doely arrangement as shown in form R, but any other suitablereciprocable drive means may be used.

Adjacent the lowermost portion of shaft 210 there is attached a bracketmember 211, to one side of which may be attached depending plate members212 for support of strand guide means 201 and strand-tensioning means202.

Strand guide means Zlll preferably comprises spaced-apart guide plates214 having a plurality of vertical openings 215 therethrough which actas a form of comb-guide for filament strands 1217'".

Strand guide means 2M may be mounted intermediate spaced apart strandguide plates 214, and may comprise a plurality of strand tension means228), about which are entrained filament strands 117, as clearly shownin FIG. 15. Strand tension means 220 preferably comprise fixed rods, thefrictional engagement thereof with the strands acting to apply tensionto strands 117 for the same purposes as has been previously described inconnection with strand tension means F of form R.

Bracket 211 preferably includes an elongated trackway 222 for supportingtraversing mount 203. Traversing mount 203 preferably includes anelongated slideplate 230 slidably mounted within trackway 222 of bracket21!, the same being extendant through and outwardly from each end oftrackway 222, being provided with bumper members 231 and 232 atrespective opposite ends thereof. Plate 230 is mounted within trackway222 for reciprocable movement parallel to the line of traverse of mainsupport frame 200. A tension spring member 235 may be mounted on bracket211, for abutment against plate 230, the pressure thereof on plate 230being adjustable by setscrew member 236.

In the formation of plastic pipe according to my invention, it isdesirable that the spraying of the promoted resin and catalyst precedethe wrapping about the mandrel of the continuous strands of roving.Thus, as the traverse of the materialdepositing apparatus is toward theright-hand end of the mandrel, the resin depositing apparatus ispreferably disposed to the right-hand side of the strand-applyingapparatus. Conversely, when the direction of travel of the materialdepositing apparatus is toward the left-hand end of the mandrel, theresin depositing apparatus is preferably disposed to the left-hand sideof the strand-applying apparatus. It is thus obvious that some meansmust be provided for shifting the resin depositing apparatus to theappropriate side of the apparatus which deposits the continuous strands.This is the purpose of traversing mount 203.

As shown in FIG. 14, in full lines, the apparatus is disposed formovement toward the right hand end of the mandrel. A butt plate member237 is mounted on such as right-hand side portion 21 of frame A. As mainsupport frame 200 approaches the end of mandrel B, bumper 23! oftraversing support 203 will abut against butt plate 237, and continuedmovement of main support frame 200 toward the right hand end of mandrelB will cause traversing support 203 and the members thereon to beshifted to the left hand side of the apparatus for applying thecontinuous strands, as shown in dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 14. Suchapparatus will then be appropriately positioned for movement toward theleft-hand end of mandrel B. A corresponding butt plate (not shown) maybe mounted on left hand side portion 21 of frame A for abutting bumper232 in shifting traversing mount 203 to the right-hand side of thestrand-depositing apparatus for movement of main support frame 2% to theright.

Depending from plate 230, substantially centrally thereof may be a pairof parallel plate supports 240 and means 204 for spray depositing cutroving may be attached adjacent one side of plate 230, as shown in FIG.15. Means 204 may be identical to chopper 86 as previously described inconnection with form R of the invention.

Means 2% may comprise any conventional form of nozzle applying apromoted resin. It preferably includes a dispensing head 244, as shownin FIG. 16 for spray depositing promoted resin in a substantially solidspray stream form in the nature of discharge of a water pistol throughopenings 245 thereof and onto mandrel 8.

Means 206 may be of any conventional type for applying a catalyst fog incatalyzing the resin as it is applied about mandrel B. If may, forinstance, comprise a catalyst nozzle such as set forth in my copendingapplication Ser. No. 245,376. filed Feb. l7, 1964 now U.S. Pat. No.3,16l,5l5.

It is desirable that the dispensing applicator means 205 and see he cutoff as the apparatus reaches the end of travel toward each end ofmandrel B. if the same were not cut off, catalyzed and promoted resinwould be deposited over each end of mandrel B, and it would beimpossible to slip the pipe of? of the mandrel without first cutting offeither one or the other of the ends thereof. Accordingly, the conduits(not shown) leading to the respective dispensing applicator means 295and 2% are provided with suitable valve means (not shown) ofconventional construction, which may be actuated by limit switch means250.

Adjacent each end of frame A, only the right hand one thereof beingshown in FIG. 54, is provided a cam means 251 which abuts against roller252 of limit switch means 250 as main support frame 200 approaches anend of mandrel B. A pivoted bar member 253 forms a part of cam member251, and, as limit roller 252. moves into abutment therewith, the samewill gradually apply pressure to roller 252, activating the valve (notshown) for causing a gradual decrease in supply of promoted resin andcatalyst, until the same is fully turned off, as shown in dotted linesat the upper portion of FIG. 14. There will also be supplied a cam means251 (not shown) for cooperation with limit switch means 250 adjacent theleft hand end of mandrel B, as may be easily appreciated.

As shown in 5Z6. 1?, the previously described apparatus may be mountedon a rotating frame 255 so that pipe may be continuously produced. Frame255 preferably includes a plurality of mandrel supports 256 mounted inthe nature of spokes for revolving about a central axis 257 on a track258 through a sequence of steps as follows:

Application of release agent at station 261; an interior gel coatapplied at station 262; the laminate of resin, catalyst, and wheredesired, continuous strands and cut roving applied at station 2 53; anexterior gel coat being applied at station 264; curing at 265; annealingat station 266; further annealing and trimming the ends at station 267;cooling the mandrel at station 253; shrinking the mandrel at station269; and ejection of the completed pipe from the mandrel at station 27b.

Various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of the parts may bemade to the forms of the invention herein shown and described withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the followingclaims.

lclairn:

l. in apparatus for forming tubular articles, the combination of aframe, a mandrel, means for rotatably supporting said mandrel upon saidframe, material-depositing means, carriage means movably mounted uponsaid frame, attaching means for securing said material-depositing meansupon said carriage cans for movement thereof longitudinally of saidmandrel and in juxtaposition for depositing material upon said mandrel,roller means rotatably mounted upon said frame in juxtaposition withrespect to said mandrel for selective engagement with material depositedon said mandrel in compacting and arranging the material deposited uponsaid mandrel, drive means operatively connected to said mandrel for therotation thereof and operatively connected to said carriage means forthe cooperative longitudinal movement of said carriage means in relationto the rotation of said mandrel, and means operatively interconnectingsaid mandrel and said roller means for rotating said roller means at thesame surface speed of rotation as the outside diameter of the tubulararticle as it is formed on said mandrel, said last-mentioned means beingoperable independently of engagement of said roller with materialdeposited on said mandrel.

2. The combination as specified in claim ll wherein said mandrel is of amaterial having a predetermined coefficient of expansion and retractionunder the respective application of heated and cooled fluids thereto,said mandrel comprising a cylinder having a chamber therewithin forreceiving heated and cooled fluids, conduits secured to said cylinderand leading into said chamber, said conduits providing passageways forthe egress and ingress of fluid to within and through said chamber, saidconduits being secured to said cylinder in juxllll taposition so thatthe fluid at the desired temperature may be continuously passed throughsaid chamber during the rotation of said mandrel.

3. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said frame includestrack means and said carriage means includes wheel means rotatablyengaging said track means for guiding said material-depositing meanslongitudinally of said mandrel, said attaching means including a bracketfor supporting said material-depositing means, said bracket beingmovable with respect to said carriage means in a direction transverselyto the longitudinal axis of said mandrel for positioning saidmaterial-depositing means in a predetermined spaced relationship withrespect to said mandrel, and said drive means includes a drive sprocketmounted upon said frame adjacent one end of said track means, idlersprocket means spaced apart from said drive sprocket, an endlessflexible carrier entrained about said sprockets, a power source mountedupon said frame and operatively connected to said drive sprocket, lugmeans secured to said endless flexible carrier, a drive plate secured tosaid carriage means, said drive plate having a slot provided thereinwithin which is slidably received said lug means, said lug means beingslidable within said slot transversely to the direction of movement ofsaid endless flexible carrier to provide for movement of said lug alongsaid slot as said lug moves about said sprockets, said lug being inabutment with said drive plate longitudinally of the direction ofmovement of said endless flexible carrier for moving said carriage meanslongitudinally between said sprockets.

4. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said roller meansincludes a longitudinally extending roller substantially the same lengthas said mandrel, bracket means rotatably supporting said roller parallelto said mandrel, pivot means supporting said bracket means upon saidframe for pivotal movement of said roller in a direction transversely tothe longitudinal axis of said mandrel, and stop means operativelyengaging said bracket means for supporting said roller in a spaced apartposition from said mandrel so that a predetermined thickness of materialmay be required to be deposited upon said mandrel prior to engagement ofsaid roller therewith.

5. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said lastmentionedmeans includes compensator means for maintaining the surface rate ofrotation of said roller and the outside diameter of the tubular articleas it is being formed on said mandrel the same during the compacting andarranging cycle of said roller means.

6. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said roller meansincludes a longitudinally extending roller substantially the same lengthas said mandrel, bracket means rotatably supporting said roller parallelto said mandrel, pivot means supporting said bracket means upon saidframe for pivotal movement of said roller in a direction transversely tothe longitudinal axis of said mandrel, and limit means mounted upon saidbracket means for regulating maximum pivotal movement of said roller ina direction away from said mandrel, said limit means including switchmeans for deactivating said drive means when the desired maximum pivotalmovement has been attained.

7. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said lastmentionedmeans comprises expansible means attached to and rotating with saidmeans for rotatably supporting said mandrel upon said frame, and saidroller means includes a drive sheave of the same outer diameter as saidroller means, said drive sheave of said roller means being in abutmentwith said expansible means when said roller means is in compacting andarranging position and said expansible means being expansible asmaterial is built up about said mandrel, whereby said roller means iscaused to have the same surface speed of rotation as the surface speedof rotation of the material built up on said mandrel.

8. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said lastmentionedmeans includes means for rotating said roller means at the same surfacespeed of rotation as said mandrel when said roller means is incompacting and arranging posi-- tion, and means for rotating said rollermeans for cleaning purposes when said roller means is retracted fromcompacting and arranging position.

9. The combination as specif ed in claim 1 wherein means for cleaningsaid roller means is mounted upon said frame, said means including meansfor the application of a cleaner to said roller means and means forbringing the compacting and arranging surfaces of said roller means intojuxtaposition for application of the cleaner.

10. In apparatus for forming tubular articles, the combination of aframe, a mandrel rotatably mounted on said frame, said mandrel defininga form for the tubular article and having a main body portion andremovable portions, said removable portions being in juxtaposition withrespect to said main body portion whereupon the removal of saidremovable portions said tubular article fonned upon said mandrel will besupported by said main body portion and the portions of the tubulararticle formed adjacent said removable portions will be spaced apartfrom said mandrel, and means for the depositing of material andformation of a tubular article about said mandrel.

1!. ln apparatus for forming tubular articles, the combination of aframe; an elongated mandrel rotatably mounted on said frame, saidmandrel including a main body portion having a predetermined outerdiameter, a first removable end portion having an outer diametercoextensive with the outer diameter of said main body portion, and asecond removable end portion at the opposite end of said mandrel fromsaid first end portion, said second end portion having an outer diametergreater than the outer diameter of said main body portion, saidremovable end portions defining a portion of the form for the tubulararticle and being juxtaposed with respect to said main body portionwhereupon the portion of the tubular article formed by said first endportion will have an inner diameter coextensive with the diameter of thetubular article formed by said main body portion, and the portion of thetubular article formed by said second end portion will have an innerdiameter greater than the inner diameter of the tubular article formedby said main body portion, said end portions being removably positionedwith respect to the main body portion whereby upon removal of said endportions the tubular article formed upon said mandrel will be supportedby said main body portion and the portions of the tubular article formedadjacent said end portions will be spaced apart from said mandrel, andmeans for the depositing of material and formation of a tubular articleabout said mandrel.

12. In apparatus for forming hollow articles, the combination of aframe, a mandrel rotatably mounted upon said frame, means for windingstrand means about said mandrel in a generally helical fashion, meansfor depositing chopped roving in a jackstraw fashion upon said mandrel,said second mentioned means being mounted in juxtaposition with respectto said first mentioned means so that said chopped roving is depositedupon said mandrel in an intermingled relationship with the strand meansand means for depositing a binder upon said mandrel, saidthird-mentioned means being mounted in juxtaposition with respect tosaid first and second-mentioned means so that the binder is applied tothe strand means prior to the winding thereof about said mandrel, andsaid binder is applied to the chopped roving prior to depositing thereofon said mandrel.

13. In apparatus for forming hollow articles, the combination of aframe, a mandrel rotatably mounted upon said frame, means mounted uponsaid frame for winding strand means about said mandrel in a generallyhelical fashion, means for cutting roving into short lengths and feedingsuch short lengths of roving for deposit of the same in a jackstrawfashion upon said mandrel in an intermingled relationship with thestrand means, and means for depositing a binder upon the mandrelconcurrently with the depositing of the strand means and the shortlengths of roving.

14. In apparatus for forming hollow articles, the combination of aframe; a mandrel rotatably mounted on said frame; carriage means mountedupon said frame; strand means mounted upon said carriage means injuxtaposition for winding about said mandrel; strand tension meansmounted upon said carriage means for maintaining said strand means undera predetermined tension, said strand tension means including a first setof roller means, and a second set of roller means, said first set ofroller means abutting against said second set of roller means at apredetermined pressure; means for spray depositing a binder upon saidstrand means prior to the winding thereof about said mandrel and uponsaid mandrel; and drive means for said carriage means whereby saidcarriage means is moved longitudinally of said mandrel in apredetermined relationship with respect to the speed of rotation of saidmandrel.

15. in apparatus for forming hollow articles, the combination of aframe, a mandrel rotatably mounted on said frame, said mandrel being ofa material having a predetermined coefficient of expansion andretraction under the respective application of heated and cooled fluidsthereto, said mandrel comprising a cylinder comprising a chamber thereinfor receiving heated and cooled fluids, conduits secured to saidcylinder and leading into said cylinder, said conduits providingpassageways for the egress and ingress of fluid to within and throughsaid chamber, said conduits being secured to said cylinder injuxtaposition so that the fluid at the desired temperature may becontinuously passed through said chamber during the rotation of saidmandrel; carriage means mounted upon said frame; strand means mountedupon said carriage means in juxtaposition for winding about saidmandrel; strand tension means mounted upon said carriage means formaintaining said strand means under a predetermined tension; means forspray depositing binder upon said strand means prior to the windingthereof about said mandrel and upon said mandrel; and drive means forsaid carriage means whereby said carriage means is moved longitudinallyof said mandrel in a predetermined relationship in respect to the speedof rotation of said mandrel.

2. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said mandrel is of amaterial having a predetermined coefficient of expansion and retractionunder the respective application of heated and cooled fluids thereto,said mandrel comprising a cylinder having a chamber therewithin forreceiving heated and cooled fluids, conduits secured to said cylinderand leading into said chamber, said conduits providing passageways forthe egress and ingress of fluid to within and through said chamber, saidconduits being secured to said cylinder in juxtaposition so that thefluid at the desired temperature may be continuously passed through saidchamber during the rotation of said mandrel.
 3. The combination asspecified in claim 1 wherein said frame includes track means and saidcarriage means includes wheel means rotatably engaging said track meansfor guiding said material-depositing means longitudinally of saidmandrel, said attaching means including a bracket for supporting saidmaterial-depositing means, said bracket being movable with respect tosaid carriage means in a direction transversely to the longitudinal axisof said mandrel for positioning said material-depositing means in apredetermined spaced relationship with respect to said mandrel, and saiddrive means includes a drive sprocket mounted upon said frame adjacentone end of said track means, idler sprocket means spaced apart from saiddrive sprocket, an endless flexible carrier entrained about saidsprockeTs, a power source mounted upon said frame and operativelyconnected to said drive sprocket, lug means secured to said endlessflexible carrier, a drive plate secured to said carriage means, saiddrive plate having a slot provided therein within which is slidablyreceived said lug means, said lug means being slidable within said slottransversely to the direction of movement of said endless flexiblecarrier to provide for movement of said lug along said slot as said lugmoves about said sprockets, said lug being in abutment with said driveplate longitudinally of the direction of movement of said endlessflexible carrier for moving said carriage means longitudinally betweensaid sprockets.
 4. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein saidroller means includes a longitudinally extending roller substantiallythe same length as said mandrel, bracket means rotatably supporting saidroller parallel to said mandrel, pivot means supporting said bracketmeans upon said frame for pivotal movement of said roller in a directiontransversely to the longitudinal axis of said mandrel, and stop meansoperatively engaging said bracket means for supporting said roller in aspaced apart position from said mandrel so that a predeterminedthickness of material may be required to be deposited upon said mandrelprior to engagement of said roller therewith.
 5. The combination asspecified in claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includescompensator means for maintaining the surface rate of rotation of saidroller and the outside diameter of the tubular article as it is beingformed on said mandrel the same during the compacting and arrangingcycle of said roller means.
 6. The combination as specified in claim 1wherein said roller means includes a longitudinally extending rollersubstantially the same length as said mandrel, bracket means rotatablysupporting said roller parallel to said mandrel, pivot means supportingsaid bracket means upon said frame for pivotal movement of said rollerin a direction transversely to the longitudinal axis of said mandrel,and limit means mounted upon said bracket means for regulating maximumpivotal movement of said roller in a direction away from said mandrel,said limit means including switch means for deactivating said drivemeans when the desired maximum pivotal movement has been attained. 7.The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said last-mentionedmeans comprises expansible means attached to and rotating with saidmeans for rotatably supporting said mandrel upon said frame, and saidroller means includes a drive sheave of the same outer diameter as saidroller means, said drive sheave of said roller means being in abutmentwith said expansible means when said roller means is in compacting andarranging position and said expansible means being expansible asmaterial is built up about said mandrel, whereby said roller means iscaused to have the same surface speed of rotation as the surface speedof rotation of the material built up on said mandrel.
 8. The combinationas specified in claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includes meansfor rotating said roller means at the same surface speed of rotation assaid mandrel when said roller means is in compacting and arrangingposition, and means for rotating said roller means for cleaning purposeswhen said roller means is retracted from compacting and arrangingposition.
 9. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein means forcleaning said roller means is mounted upon said frame, said meansincluding means for the application of a cleaner to said roller meansand means for bringing the compacting and arranging surfaces of saidroller means into juxtaposition for application of the cleaner.
 10. Inapparatus for forming tubular articles, the combination of a frame, amandrel rotatably mounted on said frame, said mandrel defining a formfor the tubular article and having a main body portion and removableportions, said removable portions being in juxtaposition with respEct tosaid main body portion whereupon the removal of said removable portionssaid tubular article formed upon said mandrel will be supported by saidmain body portion and the portions of the tubular article formedadjacent said removable portions will be spaced apart from said mandrel,and means for the depositing of material and formation of a tubulararticle about said mandrel.
 11. In apparatus for forming tubulararticles, the combination of a frame; an elongated mandrel rotatablymounted on said frame, said mandrel including a main body portion havinga predetermined outer diameter, a first removable end portion having anouter diameter coextensive with the outer diameter of said main bodyportion, and a second removable end portion at the opposite end of saidmandrel from said first end portion, said second end portion having anouter diameter greater than the outer diameter of said main bodyportion, said removable end portions defining a portion of the form forthe tubular article and being juxtaposed with respect to said main bodyportion whereupon the portion of the tubular article formed by saidfirst end portion will have an inner diameter coextensive with thediameter of the tubular article formed by said main body portion, andthe portion of the tubular article formed by said second end portionwill have an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of thetubular article formed by said main body portion, said end portionsbeing removably positioned with respect to the main body portion wherebyupon removal of said end portions the tubular article formed upon saidmandrel will be supported by said main body portion and the portions ofthe tubular article formed adjacent said end portions will be spacedapart from said mandrel, and means for the depositing of material andformation of a tubular article about said mandrel.
 12. In apparatus forforming hollow articles, the combination of a frame, a mandrel rotatablymounted upon said frame, means for winding strand means about saidmandrel in a generally helical fashion, means for depositing choppedroving in a jackstraw fashion upon said mandrel, said second mentionedmeans being mounted in juxtaposition with respect to said firstmentioned means so that said chopped roving is deposited upon saidmandrel in an intermingled relationship with the strand means and meansfor depositing a binder upon said mandrel, said third-mentioned meansbeing mounted in juxtaposition with respect to said first andsecond-mentioned means so that the binder is applied to the strand meansprior to the winding thereof about said mandrel, and said binder isapplied to the chopped roving prior to depositing thereof on saidmandrel.
 13. In apparatus for forming hollow articles, the combinationof a frame, a mandrel rotatably mounted upon said frame, means mountedupon said frame for winding strand means about said mandrel in agenerally helical fashion, means for cutting roving into short lengthsand feeding such short lengths of roving for deposit of the same in ajackstraw fashion upon said mandrel in an intermingled relationship withthe strand means, and means for depositing a binder upon the mandrelconcurrently with the depositing of the strand means and the shortlengths of roving.
 14. In apparatus for forming hollow articles, thecombination of a frame; a mandrel rotatably mounted on said frame;carriage means mounted upon said frame; strand means mounted upon saidcarriage means in juxtaposition for winding about said mandrel; strandtension means mounted upon said carriage means for maintaining saidstrand means under a predetermined tension, said strand tension meansincluding a first set of roller means, and a second set of roller means,said first set of roller means abutting against said second set ofroller means at a predetermined pressure; means for spray depositing abinder upon said strand means prior to the winding thereof about saidmandrel and upon said mandrel; and drive means for said carriage meaNswhereby said carriage means is moved longitudinally of said mandrel in apredetermined relationship with respect to the speed of rotation of saidmandrel.
 15. In apparatus for forming hollow articles, the combinationof a frame, a mandrel rotatably mounted on said frame, said mandrelbeing of a material having a predetermined coefficient of expansion andretraction under the respective application of heated and cooled fluidsthereto, said mandrel comprising a cylinder comprising a chamber thereinfor receiving heated and cooled fluids, conduits secured to saidcylinder and leading into said cylinder, said conduits providingpassageways for the egress and ingress of fluid to within and throughsaid chamber, said conduits being secured to said cylinder injuxtaposition so that the fluid at the desired temperature may becontinuously passed through said chamber during the rotation of saidmandrel; carriage means mounted upon said frame; strand means mountedupon said carriage means in juxtaposition for winding about saidmandrel; strand tension means mounted upon said carriage means formaintaining said strand means under a predetermined tension; means forspray depositing binder upon said strand means prior to the windingthereof about said mandrel and upon said mandrel; and drive means forsaid carriage means whereby said carriage means is moved longitudinallyof said mandrel in a predetermined relationship in respect to the speedof rotation of said mandrel.